Forecast

Virginia governor declares state of emergency as white nationalist rally in Charlottesville breaks out in violence

Abby Jackson, provided by| on August 12, 2017

REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has declared a state of emergency as demonstrations in Charlottesville erupted into violence Saturday morning.

The demonstrations precede a "Unite the Right" rally called by white nationalists in response to a plan to remove a statue of Confederate general Robert E. Lee from a park in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Thousands of white nationalist protesters, as well as groups that oppose them, have clashed during demonstrations that are currently ongoing.

Two people have been treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries, according to Charlottesville officials.

Images of the protest have appeared on online and show the intensity of the confrontation between the opposing groups.

Below, members of the white nationalists clash with a group of counter-protesters.

REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

A member of white nationalists is seen with injuries following a clash with counter protesters.

REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

Charlottesville police worked to reign in the chaos developing in the streets. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

On Twitter, images and videos depict the violence, and police confronting protesters and deploying tear gas.

Former KKK leader David Duke was in Charlottesville and called the rally a "turning point," saying that protesters would fulfill the promises of President Donald Trump.